‘Throw him in’ – John Obi Mikel urges Enzo Maresca to start 22-year-old star against Arsenal

Nicolas Jackson or Kai Havertz: Mikel’s Pick in Chelsea-Arsenal Combined XI

As Chelsea prepare to face Arsenal this Sunday in a high-stakes Premier League clash, former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel has weighed in on one of the game’s biggest debates: who should take the striker role in a Chelsea-Arsenal combined XI? In a choice between Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, Mikel favored the younger Jackson, citing his impressive season and chemistry with rising star Cole Palmer.

Mikel Chooses Jackson Over Havertz Based on Form

Discussing his pick on his YouTube channel, Mikel noted Jackson’s current form and his effective partnership with Palmer as decisive factors. “If you’re playing Cole Palmer, I think the partnership that Nicolas Jackson has with Cole Palmer…gets my vote as well,” Mikel stated. Jackson, 23, has stepped up as Chelsea’s main striker and continues to earn praise from fans and club legends alike. Gianfranco Zola recently lauded Jackson’s progress, calling him “a player really improving this season,” while Kalidou Koulibaly even tipped him as a potential future Ballon d’Or winner if he continues to perform in big matches.

Meanwhile, Havertz, now 25, is still a player to watch as Arsenal’s central striker. Although his loyalty now lies with the Gunners, he remains etched in Chelsea’s history for his game-winning goal in the Champions League final, which secured a memorable victory for the club. Despite this, it’s Jackson who currently edges ahead based on individual form and consistency.

John Obi Mikel’s Chelsea-Arsenal Combined XI

Mikel’s combined XI features a blend of Chelsea and Arsenal stars, reflecting the quality and balance both teams bring to this derby. Here’s his lineup:

• Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
• Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), William Saliba (Arsenal), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
• Midfielders: Thomas Partey (Arsenal), Moises Caicedo (Chelsea), Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
• Forwards: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Jackson’s inclusion reflects his impact this season, but both forwards have faced scrutiny over their performances in different periods. Jackson’s campaign has been marked by gradual improvement and standout games, while Havertz’s time at Arsenal has shown flashes of promise and potential to settle into the role.

Jackson vs. Havertz: Performance So Far

A comparison of Jackson and Havertz’s Premier League stats this season suggests Jackson has had the upper hand in the opening quarter. While Havertz brings experience and versatility, Jackson’s pace and movement have impressed spectators and earned him a starting position. However, as Troy Deeney commented, Jackson still has areas to refine, and his journey as a striker is far from complete. At 23, he remains a player with vast potential, and as Chelsea’s main forward, big matches like the one against Arsenal will serve as benchmarks for his development.

Chelsea’s Rising Star Has Something to Prove

As the Premier League heads into the winter schedule, all eyes will be on Jackson to see if he can continue his upward trajectory and become a vital asset for Chelsea. The upcoming match against Arsenal offers him the stage to further establish himself, demonstrating his skills and scoring ability against one of the top teams.

For both teams, Sunday’s derby will be more than just a battle for points—it’s a test of progress, resilience, and a chance for young talents like Jackson to shine under the spotlight. Whether he or Havertz comes out on top remains to be seen, but it’s clear that each player has something to prove, with the stakes higher than ever.